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6 Best Ski Resorts in Oregon, 2023/24

6 Best Ski Resorts in Oregon, 2023/24
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 20, 2022

Oregon might be underrated when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. But with 12 resorts offering experiences ranging from big-mountain destination skiing to small community mountains (and even the chance to ski and ride year-round), it’s definitely worth a visit! Here are our picks for the best ski areas in Oregon.

The largest resort in Oregon! (Photo credit: Mt. Bachelor)

Why Ski Mt Bachelor

Less than a half hour from the outdoor adventure hotspot of Bend, Mt. Bachelor offers more than 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. Its high elevation often lends itself to drier and lighter snow than is common in the Northwest, and you can ski with 360-degree views of the Cascades and eastern Oregon’s high desert. Mt. Bachelor offers great amenities and activities, with a variety of dining options on the mountain, childcare, a tubing park, and more than 35 miles of Nordic skiing trails. However, you’ll have to travel around 30 minutes to Bend for lodging options.

Known for

Oregon’s biggest, highest, and possibly most famous ski resort

Highlights

  • Highest lift-served terrain in the Pacific Northwest
  • Full-service destination resort
  • Oregon’s highest average annual snowfall
  • Relatively expensive lift ticket prices

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 30 2022
  • Closing Date: May 28 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Airport - 180 miles (3.5 hour drive)
The largest resort in Oregon! (Photo credit: Mt. Bachelor)

Why Ski Mt Bachelor

Less than a half hour from the outdoor adventure hotspot of Bend, Mt. Bachelor offers more than 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest in the state and one of the largest in the U.S. Its high elevation often lends itself to drier and lighter snow than is common in the Northwest, and you can ski with 360-degree views of the Cascades and eastern Oregon’s high desert. Mt. Bachelor offers great amenities and activities, with a variety of dining options on the mountain, childcare, a tubing park, and more than 35 miles of Nordic skiing trails. However, you’ll have to travel around 30 minutes to Bend for lodging options.

The largest resort on Mt. Hood! (Photo credit: Mt. Hood Meadows)

Why Ski Mount Hood Meadows

Only 90 minutes from Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows is the largest of the five ski resorts on the iconic Cascade peak. Its 2,777 feet of vertical and 87 trails will keep skiers and boarders of all abilities busy for days! Beginners and intermediates will enjoy some of the best grooming in the region, and experts will be thrilled with the gate-accessed steeps in Heather Canyon. Hike-to terrain offers another 1,700 feet of vertical, and the opportunity to ski a thigh-burning uninterrupted vertical of almost 4,500 feet! There isn’t any ski-in/ski-out lodging, but there is a wide selection of accommodation in the nearby towns of Government Camp and Welches.

Known for

Some of the Pacific Northwest’s best and most varied terrain

Highlights

  • Great intermediate terrain
  • Sunny, wind-protected skiing
  • Excellent grooming
  • Can be crowded, especially on weekends

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 29 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 29 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Airport - 64 miles (1 hour drive)
The largest resort on Mt. Hood! (Photo credit: Mt. Hood Meadows)

Why Ski Mount Hood Meadows

Only 90 minutes from Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows is the largest of the five ski resorts on the iconic Cascade peak. Its 2,777 feet of vertical and 87 trails will keep skiers and boarders of all abilities busy for days! Beginners and intermediates will enjoy some of the best grooming in the region, and experts will be thrilled with the gate-accessed steeps in Heather Canyon. Hike-to terrain offers another 1,700 feet of vertical, and the opportunity to ski a thigh-burning uninterrupted vertical of almost 4,500 feet! There isn’t any ski-in/ski-out lodging, but there is a wide selection of accommodation in the nearby towns of Government Camp and Welches.

You can ski here almost all year! (Photo credit: Timberline Lodge)

Why Ski Timberline Lodge

Another of the resorts on Mt. Hood and just under an hour and a half from Portland, Timberline Lodge’s claim to fame is its long season, with most of the resort often open through the end of May and skiing on Palmer Glacier through the summer. There’s even fall skiing on weekends until there’s enough snow for full-time operations! It’s also known for its lodge, which is a national historic landmark and filming site for The Shining. Although it’s rare for the entire area to be open at the same time, Timberline Lodge offers a truly unique experience that’s not to be missed!

Known for

Nearly year-round skiing!

Highlights

  • Longest lift-served season in North America, including summer glacier skiing
  • Excellent terrain parks
  • Iconic and historic lodge
  • Upper mountain often closed in the winter due to wind and weather conditions, limiting expert terrain

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 11 2022
  • Closing Date: May 29 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Airport - 59 miles (1.5 hour drive)
You can ski here almost all year! (Photo credit: Timberline Lodge)

Why Ski Timberline Lodge

Another of the resorts on Mt. Hood and just under an hour and a half from Portland, Timberline Lodge’s claim to fame is its long season, with most of the resort often open through the end of May and skiing on Palmer Glacier through the summer. There’s even fall skiing on weekends until there’s enough snow for full-time operations! It’s also known for its lodge, which is a national historic landmark and filming site for The Shining. Although it’s rare for the entire area to be open at the same time, Timberline Lodge offers a truly unique experience that’s not to be missed!

Plenty of snow at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl (Photo credit: Mt. Hood Ski Bowl)

Why Ski Mount Hood Ski Bowl

The closest of the Mount Hood-area resorts to Portland (only an hour away), Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is sometimes overshadowed by bigger—and higher—resorts like Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows. But it packs a lot into its 960 acres and 1,500 feet of vertical. It has 69 runs, half of which are lit for night skiing, more than any other ski area in the country! Roughly 80% of its terrain is rated for intermediates and experts, but there are enough beginner trails to make for a great experience for the entire family. And with other resorts getting all the attention, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is generally uncrowded!

Known for

The largest night-skiing area in the U.S.

Highlights

  • Great expert terrain
  • 80% of trails are lit for night skiing
  • Less crowds compared to larger resorts
  • Relatively small size

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 03 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Airport - 52 miles (1 hour drive)
Plenty of snow at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl (Photo credit: Mt. Hood Ski Bowl)

Why Ski Mount Hood Ski Bowl

The closest of the Mount Hood-area resorts to Portland (only an hour away), Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is sometimes overshadowed by bigger—and higher—resorts like Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows. But it packs a lot into its 960 acres and 1,500 feet of vertical. It has 69 runs, half of which are lit for night skiing, more than any other ski area in the country! Roughly 80% of its terrain is rated for intermediates and experts, but there are enough beginner trails to make for a great experience for the entire family. And with other resorts getting all the attention, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is generally uncrowded!

The perfect resort for experienced skiers (Photo credit: Mt. Ashland)

Why Ski Mount Ashland

Just over the California state line and one hour from the town of Ashland, this community-owned spot is the go-to ski area in southern Oregon. Its 240 acres and 1,150 foot vertical drop offers plenty for intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. Though there is a learning area, the few beginner runs combined with sometimes icy conditions make it a better choice for more experienced skiers and riders. They’ll surely enjoy testing their mettle against the double-black-diamond chutes into The Bowl, as well as tree skiing the Moraine Glade. Amenities at the mountain are limited, but the town offers great dining, plenty of lodging, and a bustling arts scene.

Known for

A compact but surprisingly challenging community-owned ski area

Highlights

  • Friendly local’s mountain vibe
  • Wide-open bowl skiing
  • Challenging technical terrain
  • Limited beginner trails

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 10 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 23 2023

Closest airports

Rogue Valley Intl-Medford Airport - 39 miles (55 minute drive)
The perfect resort for experienced skiers (Photo credit: Mt. Ashland)

Why Ski Mount Ashland

Just over the California state line and one hour from the town of Ashland, this community-owned spot is the go-to ski area in southern Oregon. Its 240 acres and 1,150 foot vertical drop offers plenty for intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. Though there is a learning area, the few beginner runs combined with sometimes icy conditions make it a better choice for more experienced skiers and riders. They’ll surely enjoy testing their mettle against the double-black-diamond chutes into The Bowl, as well as tree skiing the Moraine Glade. Amenities at the mountain are limited, but the town offers great dining, plenty of lodging, and a bustling arts scene.

Enjoy panoramic views while you ski! (Photo credit: Willamette Pass Ski Patrol)

Why Ski Willamette Pass

Just over an hour from Eugene, Willamette Pass is the college town’s local ski area with the fun, laid back atmosphere to match. There’s plenty for beginners, including some surprisingly long trails, meandering intermediate runs, and enough advanced runs to keep the more ambitious shredders happy. The RTS run has pitches as steep as 52 degrees! The resort’s location and elevation often mean wet, heavy snow, but the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains’ volcanic peaks and high mountain lakes make it worth a visit!

Known for

Big mountain terrain in a small, family-friendly atmosphere

Highlights

  • Spectacular mountain and lake views
  • Laid-back atmosphere
  • Terrain for all abilities
  • Often poor snow due to location

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 02 2022
  • Closing Date: May 14 2023

Closest airports

Portland Intl. Airport - 186 miles (3 hour drive)
Enjoy panoramic views while you ski! (Photo credit: Willamette Pass Ski Patrol)

Why Ski Willamette Pass

Just over an hour from Eugene, Willamette Pass is the college town’s local ski area with the fun, laid back atmosphere to match. There’s plenty for beginners, including some surprisingly long trails, meandering intermediate runs, and enough advanced runs to keep the more ambitious shredders happy. The RTS run has pitches as steep as 52 degrees! The resort’s location and elevation often mean wet, heavy snow, but the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains’ volcanic peaks and high mountain lakes make it worth a visit!